Kathmandu, 11 May: The government has announced that it will observe “Cleanliness Week 2083” nationwide starting from Baisakh 28 (Monday) under the campaign titled “A New Commitment to Clean Governance,” with the aim of making public service delivery dignified, clean, and environmentally friendly.
According to the Secretariat of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the campaign will cover all government offices at the federal, provincial, and local levels, as well as public educational institutions. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued special guidelines, directing all bodies from federal ministries to local levels to actively participate in the campaign.
As stated in an official notice issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the national campaign will be formally inaugurated on Monday at 8:30 AM at Bir Hospital in the presence of Minister for Health and Population Nisha Mehta. The guidelines titled “Cleanliness Week Implementation Guidelines, 2083” mention that the campaign aims to implement cleanliness standards in government institutions in a way that ensures maximum results at minimal cost. It also emphasizes the need for effective sanitation management to maintain a clean and safe working environment in government offices.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the guidelines were prepared in response to the negative impact on service delivery, employee health, and service seekers due to the lack of clear standards for regular cleaning and waste management in government offices. The guidelines state that information boards, citizen charters, and signage in government offices must be clear and well-organized. Cracked or peeling walls will be repaired and repainted, and main service areas and entrances will be kept clean and attractive.
Similarly, toilets will be made odor-free with a guaranteed regular water supply. Soap has been made mandatory at handwashing stations, and a daily cleaning record must be maintained. Toilets must be women-friendly, equipped with sanitary disposal facilities, and, where possible, accessible to persons with disabilities. Offices are required to maintain at least two types of dustbins to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, as stated in the notice. While proper management of unused old materials is encouraged, open burning of waste has been completely prohibited.
Furthermore, the guidelines direct that areas within 100 meters of office premises, including drains and sewage systems, must be kept clean. Parking areas should be improved, and unmanaged wires or posters must be removed. Offices are also instructed to establish help desks to ensure that service seekers feel respected and organized, and to fully operationalize information systems.
Sustainability and Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure the sustainability of the campaign, each office must designate a “Cleanliness Focal Person.” Weekly cleaning schedules must be prepared, and monthly self-assessments are required. The overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the campaign has been assigned to the heads of respective institutions, who are also required to maintain regular records of the activities.
